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University of San Diego Dedicates New Torero Store of the Future

Digital walls and screens, interactive retail technology and faster textbook sales are only a few of the features at the new University of San Diego Torero Store. The official dedication of the 6,665-square-foot campus store took place Wednesday, Sept. 16 in front of the Hahn University Center.

New University of San Diego President James Harris and other campus leaders spoke at the ribbon-cutting event.

Highlights of the futuristic new store include a “virtual mirror,” the first on a college campus where shoppers can visualize how clothing and apparel will look without actually trying them on, along with a custom T-shirt printer, 3D printer and mobile point of sale and Apple Pay capabilities.

University of San Diego students this fall are already enjoying a new faster process to purchase textbooks. Sales now occur in a “Swing Space” outside of the campus store, incorporating self-ordering tablets at mobile kiosks. The new configuration allowed the university to shrink the footprint of the campus store from 16,500 square feet in the former location to 6,500 in the new one, while providing even more goods and services.

“With the concierge station outside of the store and then the book vault pick-up, the process of ordering my books was effortless,” said Paige Milam, a third-year biology student. “I also love that the design of the store is so modern and fresh. It’s all very efficient and enjoyable—both practically and visually."

“We’ve created an exciting and futuristic space that will provide enhanced convenience, shopping options and service for our students, staff, alumni and visitors,” said Andre Mallie, Assistant Vice President for Auxiliary Services. The store includes a variety of USD-branded apparel, along with technology and other products and services for the university community. It is now part of a shopping and dining complex that includes the “Blue Spoon,” an updated frozen yogurt concept operated by USD Dining. Directly across from the store is Tu Mercado, a market, deli and retail space. Outside the store entrance is Plaza Menor, a large outdoor space utilized for student recreation and special events with seating and new fire pits.

The University of San Diego departments of Auxiliary Services and University Design worked with College Store Design, a division of the Nebraska Book Company, Inc, to create the concept for the campus store that will be a model for other universities around the nation. Mosher Drew was the architect for the store that connects to the existing University Center. Balfour Betty was the contractor.

The campus store was moved from its former location in Loma Hall following the expansion and renovation of the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering.